Today I’m joined by Evans Transportation, a transport and logistics company whose unwavering commitment to value provision has driven an average customer retention rate of over nine years.

Evans is a full-service, third-party provider of custom logistics solutions for a diverse range of shippers across North America. Assetless and privately owned for maximum agility, Evans’ success is fueled by unmatched technology and its uncommonly dedicated team.

Today, John Conrad, Chief Revenue Officer at Evans Transportation, will be talking all about Evans Transportation and what they do, navigating the biggest challenges and opportunities in parcel delivery, keeping goods safe in transit, and why they’re committed to delivering the full ‘Evans Experience.’

Guest bio:

John Conrad has been in the transportation management industry for 17 years, spending time at CH Robinson and Kenco before being drawn to Evans in 2014 by the genuine integrity and positivity of the team. During his working hours at Evans, John is helping solve transportation challenges. As Evans’ Chief Revenue Officer, he leads a team creating customized logistics solutions to keep their partners moving, and Evans’ combination of extensive industry experience, personalized customer service, and emergent technology proves to be a valuable resource for clients. John graduated from Wheaton College where he studied Business and Economics. He was born in Naples, Florida, and currently resides in Chattanooga, Tennessee with his wife and six children. Together, they enjoy the outdoor activities that their community provides, skipping town on occasion for a trip to the mountains to hit the slopes. During the last year of his thirties, John told a friend that he wanted to be part of something transcendent. That comment sparked a two-week life changing adventure, opening John’s eyes to the global water crisis. The statistics are staggering – at any given moment half of the world’s hospital beds are occupied with patients suffering from waterborne diseases. It’s a massive crisis that needs a solution, and John serves as a board member of the Ugandan Water Project in effort to help solve the problem.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[02.10] John’s reflections from the show floor at Home Delivery World.

[02.56] An introduction to John, his 20-year career history, and his role as Chief Revenue Officer at Evans Transportation.

“We’ve experienced some pretty athletic growth over the last five years… I’m responsible for our team finding and keeping revenue, it’s a big job. And when your President and CEO wants to double in the next five years, it’s a really big job!”

[04.08] Evan’s roots as one of the country’s first 100 freight brokers 40 years ago, their evolution, and how they helped pioneer the transportation management system.

“There’s about 30,000 registered 3PL’s and maybe about 30,000 that aren’t, working out of their basement or garage. There’s no shortage of competition in this space! So it makes it really hard to differentiate.”

[06.43] An overview of where Evans is now, and how they help their customers.

“We continue to be an organization that’s focused on our customer… We’re a people and technology company, that happens to be in the logistics space.”

[08.17] The ideal client for Evans Transportation.

“From an industry and vertical perspective, we don’t have an ideal client. Our ideal client is someone that understands the beauty of working with a partner… And they have to value technology.”

[09.47] Why Evans is committed to embracing a customer-centric approach, and an inside look at their recent customer advisory panel, the common challenges it exposed, and the surprising answer to the question: ‘What’s one activity in your organization that you’d like to see never happen again?’

[13.04] Some of the biggest opportunities that were revealed at Evans’ customer advisory panel, how the technology applications of their Execution Engine helps clients pursue those opportunities, and the importance of collaboration in overcoming shared challenges.

[15.24] How tariffs are impacting Evans’ clients, and how they’re helping them respond.

“With the current reprieve, there’s a mad dash to make things happen while they can. But we’re also seeing a significant amount of hesitation to a commitment on what people are going to do moving forward. There’s so much uncertainty… So we’re trying to be a problem-solver.”

[17.58] The ever-evolving world of parcel, and how high customer expectations and carrier changes are creating big challenges for shippers.

“From an end customer perspective, your expectations are changing… And the carrier landscape has also evolved… So, from a shipper perspective, they’ve got to maintain speed, be agile, and they’ve also got to be sustainable. Not just environmentally, but from a cost perspective.”

[22.30] The growing problem of cargo theft, and how Evans is helping clients ensure their goods are safe and accounted for while in transit.

[25.36] A case study exploring how Evans helped a client struggling with damage on LTL shipments to leverage technology and data and build a solution that reduced handling and dropped their freight claim percentage significantly, whilst also maintaining speed and reducing cost.

[29.31] The most significant impending transformation John anticipates for the supply chain and logistics industries, and how Evans is preparing for it.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

Head over to Evans Transportation’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Evans and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or X (Twitter), or you can connect with John on LinkedIn.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

 Let’s Talk Supply Chain – Episode Title:
Leverage Real-Time Transportation Visibility, with Shippeo
Guest: Chris Mazza, SVP of International Growth at Shippeo

 Sponsored by: www.shippeo.com

 Episode Snapshot
Imagine knowing what’s happening across your entire supply chain—not just now, but before it happens. That’s not a dream. That’s Shippeo.
In this episode, Chris Mazza joins Sarah to share how Shippeo helps the world’s largest brands go from data chaos to predictive clarity. From real-time tracking to proactive problem-solving, they’re changing the way supply chains operate—forever.
Whether you’re in logistics, operations, or marketing, this conversation will give you the strategic edge you’ve been looking for. Why You Should Listen

• Discover what real visibility looks like in a world full of fragmented data
• Hear a transformation story that turned a supply chain pain point into a competitive advantage
• Find out how AI and predictive analytics are shifting teams from reactive to proactive
• Get Chris’s one piece of advice every supply chain leader needs in 2025 and beyond

 Memorable Moments & Quotes

“Prediction is the new prevention. It’s no longer good enough to react—you need to see ahead.” – Chris Mazza
“We’re not just providing data. We’re helping our customers make smarter, faster decisions that ripple across every department.” – Chris Mazza
“The companies we work with aren’t just tracking—they’re transforming.” – Chris Mazza

 Most Impactful Segments
[10:03] – The Customer Story You’ll Remember
Chris shares a real-world example of a global brand that dramatically improved efficiency and collaboration by implementing Shippeo—and saw measurable ROI.
[16:10] – Moving from Reactive to Proactive
How AI and predictive analytics are helping supply chain teams plan ahead, mitigate risk, and turn data into insight.
[24:44] – Advice for the Future
Chris’s must-hear advice for leaders navigating a world where resilience and sustainability are non-negotiable. Let’s Talk Call to Action

Want a supply chain that doesn’t just react—but predicts, performs, and wins?
 Visit Shippeo.com to see how real-time visibility can level up your strategy. Rate & Share
Love what you heard? Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform, share with your team, and tag us on LinkedIn. Don’t forget to follow for more episodes that decode the future of supply chain.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Today I’m joined by Reveel, an organization with over 16 years of parcel agreement management expertise, that has generated over $500 million in savings for their clients.

Reveel is the leading Parcel Shipping Intelligence Platform that enables companies to level the playing field with FedEx and UPS. Its unique technology enables shippers to break free of expensive parcel shipping consultants with an easy-to-use software app that brings transparency to the black box of carrier agreements.

Today, Michael Falls, Chief Customer Officer at Reveel, and Jennifer Mitchell, Senior Global Logistics Manager at GOAT Group, will be talking all about mitigating tariffs through data-driven optimization. We’re going to be exploring the current landscape of tariffs and the challenges they’re raising for shippers. We’ll be talking about how network design, SKU analysis, and carrier negotiation can save you money and optimize your business. And why, when tariffs are out of our control, intelligence is the best defence.

Guest bios:

Michael Falls, Chief Customer Officer at Reveel. Michael Falls is Chief Customer Officer at Reveel and leads advisory services, delivery of analytics, finance solutions, client support, and account management for Reveel’s customers. Michael is passionate about Reveel’s mission to level the playing field and create transparency for parcel shippers and enjoys helping companies create optimized supply chains by transforming data into actionable intelligence. Prior to joining Reveel, Michael spent ten years at enVista, a supply chain software and consulting firm, where he directed Client Success for enVista’s Global Freight Audit and Payment solution for customers totaling more than $10B in spend under management, including support for over 2,000 carriers across all modes of transportation in every global region. Michael is a regular contributor to supply chain media sources such as Parcel Media, Inbound Logistics, and SupplyChainBrain and is a regular speaker at supply chain conferences including Parcel Forum, Home Delivery World, and MODEX. He lives in Indianapolis, IN with his wife and two children.

Jennifer Mitchell, Senior Global Logistics Manager at GOAT Group. Jennifer is an innovative manager with over 20 years of supply chain and logistics experience. She has diverse backgrounds in trade, compliance, procurement, logistics, and management.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[02.22] An introduction to Michael, his background, and what excites him about supply chain.

“Work smarter, not harder – that’s what I’m passionate about. There’s great technology out there that shippers can leverage, but so many people are still working out of spreadsheets. That hasn’t changed as rapidly in our industry as it has in others.”

[03.49] An overview of Reveel, who they are, and what they do.

“Our CEO always says that modeling is the hill we’re going to die on. We have a lot of tools in our repertoire that are different to a lot of the other analytics tools on the market.”

[04.36] An introduction to Jennifer, her background, and her company GOAT Group.

[05.58] An overview of the current tariff landscape, and how businesses are approaching adaptability and cost impacts.

“We’re now in a period where shippers have a new normal, which is: we don’t know what the future will hold, but we know we’re going to have to adapt to change.”

“Now there’s a very public conversation around who absorbs the cost of tariffs. Tariffs are here to stay. The question is: are consumers going to pay for them, or are companies going to absorb the cost and use that as a competitive advantage?”

[07.55] How tariffs have impacted GOAT Group, and why increased tariffs for China are driving up apparel costs and forcing companies to rethink their manufacturing locations.

[09.07] From cost volatility to the impact of the unknown, the biggest negative impacts, driven by the current tariff landscape, for shippers.

“It’s ever-changing. The minute you make a decision to do something, it changes and you’re back to square one.”

[11.34] Network design and optimization, and why shippers need intelligence, agility, and a strategic command of their shipping network to manage current volatility.

[14.28] How network design and optimization can help companies to design more efficient distribution strategies, what those strategies might look like, and the positive impact they can have for shippers.

[15.16] How SKU profitability analysis can help businesses identify problem products and make more informed decisions on their portfolio.

“There’s much more that you can do with SKU level insights than just explore profitability.”

[17.13] Why contract negotiations have changed, and how Reveel can help to simulate ‘what-if’ scenarios and compare carrier performance so shippers can push for reductions or pivot.

“You can’t manage what you don’t measure. So we empower our customers to measure all the KPIs that are going to impact their transportation spend.”

“The duopoly is over!.. Carrier contract negotiation is becoming an ongoing activity.”

[20.07] The importance of flexibility and expanding carrier options to reduce dependency, lower cost, and improve customer experience.

“Flexibility is crucial… Customers expect more from delivery, they expect it faster, more personalized. The bigger carriers are very rigid in what they do and a lot of these emerging carriers have more flexibility, they’re more customizable to your company.”

[21.23] Why, when tariffs are out of our control, intelligence is the best defence, how companies can use intelligence to stay competitive, and why parcel spend management can be an organizations competitive advantage in an unpredictable global market.

“There’s so much noise. Carrier billing data has hundreds of elements, it’s not normalized… Having a shipping intelligence platform helps arm you with the most important insights at a glance.”

“A lot of shippers are just resigned to this belief that the carriers are going to do what the carriers are going to do, and we have to sit back and take it… But I would say that any shipper has between 5-30% of spend that’s available to be eliminated.”

[23.47] The ideal client for Reveel, and the types of clients they’re currently onboarding most.

[24.41] GOAT group’s experience with onboarding and implementation with Reveel.

[25.52] The biggest challenges GOAT Group were experiencing, why they chose to work with Reveel, and the benefits they see from their ongoing partnership.

[27.38] In a constantly evolving market, what shippers might expect over the next few months.

“The only thing we know for sure is that more change is coming!.. But the shippers that have the best data, the best data-driven insights, and the best technology are ultimately the ones that are going to come out ahead.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

Head over to Reveel’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Reveel and keep up to date with the latest over   on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter, or you can connect with Michael or Jennifer on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Reveel, check out 453: Driving Supply Chain Innovation with Reveel and Deposco or 357: Leverage the Power of Shipping Intelligence, with Reveel.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Today I’m joined by The Port of New York and New Jersey.

The Port of New York and New Jersey is the gateway to one of the most concentrated consumer markets in North America, and the largest port on the East Coast. One hundred years after its creation, the Port continues to thrive with innovation, sustainable best practices, and a strong competitive edge.

Today, Stephanie Dominguez, Assistant Director of Commercial Development for the Port Department at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, will be talking all about the Port of New York and New Jersey. We’ll be exploring the big challenges and the infrastructure projects in development to tackle them. We’ll be talking about the importance of collaboration and industry-wide sustainability progress. And, given the current geopolitical landscape, we’ll be reflecting on exactly what the rest of 2025 is going to look like for the Port of New York and New Jersey.

Guest bio:

Stephanie Dominguez serves as the Assistant Director of Commercial Development, for the Port Department at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey providing strategic leadership and oversight of the Leasing & Property Development and Business Development & Industry Relations teams. She leads teams responsible for overseeing trade development strategies, maritime relations, customer outreach, and port efficiency initiatives for the largest port on the U.S. East Coast.

Before joining the Port Authority, Stephanie was a defense civilian contractor for several years managing contracts for the United States Air Force, Army, and FAA. Her experience included roles in business development, contract negotiation, and project/risk management. Moving from the military to the commercial aviation sector, Stephanie worked for United Airlines under the Capital & Procurement role at EWR where she led the financial analysis efforts for capital projects, building compelling business cases.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[04.30] An overview of the Port of New York and New Jersey, who they are and what they do.

“We have a long history… Containerization started at our port.”

[05.40] Why organizations should choose the Port of New York and New Jersey, the many factors that give them their competitive edge and how, in turn, that can give companies doing business with them their own competitive edge.

“We’re a world-class gateway port… We’re focused on efficiency and reliability… Today we have 45 weekly ocean carrier services, and we’re the first port of call on 75% of them.”

[11.36] Some of the biggest challenges of the last few years, and why resiliency, communication and collaboration Is key.

[15.43] The Port of New York and New Jersey’s ‘Master Plan’, and how a predicted increase in volume will impact the port and local community, from challenges to investments.

[17.30] From road improvements to improving navigation channels, the major infrastructure projects the Port of New York and New Jersey is focused on right now, and how they work with other key stakeholders.

“You have to have honest conversations. There will be times when you don’t agree, but you’ll find a solution together.”

[22.58] The potential impact of those infrastructure challenges and opportunities, and the Port of New York and New Jersey’s approach to embracing the future.

“This industry is all about flexibility, adaptability – you never know what’s going to happen… We have to be open-minded, and evolve with the industry. So when there’s new emerging technologies or tools, it’s common for people to be scared. But we need to educate ourselves, and work with other best practices.”

[25.17] The Port of New York and New Jersey’s new marine terminal operator leases with Port Liberty New York and Bayonne and the APM Terminals, and why they’re all focused on planning for the future.

[29.22] Why collaboration is so important as the industry prepares for the future, and Stephanie’s advice for other organizations looking to improve their collaborative efforts.

“Your partners are experts in what they do… So when they’re at the table giving you honest feedback, listen… Bring them in at the beginning, proactively not reactively… It takes time, effort, it takes thick skin! But there’s a level of respect and trust that builds out of those conversations.”

[34.33] Key sustainability initiatives for the Port of New York and New Jersey.

[38.04] What the rest of 2025 will bring for the Port of New York and New Jersey.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

Head over to the Port of New York and New Jersey’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with the Port of New York and New Jersey and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Instagram and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about keeping freight moving, check out 388: See The Future of Transportation, with Win Global, 338: Set a New Standard for Global Trade, with Flexport or 406: Unlock the Opportunities of Cross-Border Ecommerce, with CargoWise.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Today I’m joined by Birdseye Security Solutions, an organization that is on a mission to help make the world a safer place!

Birdseye Security Solutions is one of the leading providers of remote monitoring and operations management solutions in North America, providing end-to-end hardware and AI-driven solutions that redefine security beyond traditional gatehouses. And, by empowering their professionally trained monitoring agents, they achieve 99.9% accuracy in mission-critical security, safety, and operational support, 24/7.

Today, Neil Fisher, Chief Revenue Officer at Birdseye Security Solutions, will be talking all about Birdseye and what they do, the rising issue of cargo theft, leveraging AI to shift from a reactive to a proactive approach to security, and why security solutions drive business-wide improvements far beyond simple theft prevention.

Guest bio:

Neil Fisher is a seasoned executive with nearly two decades of leadership in the transportation and logistics industry. Currently serving as Chief Revenue Officer at Birdseye Security Solutions, he leads strategic growth initiatives that provide remote video monitoring and operations management solutions tailored to the transportation and logistics sector across North America. Prior to joining Birdseye, Neil held pivotal roles such as Chief Revenue Officer at Drivewyze, Vice President of Sales at Spireon, and Executive Vice President at Positioning Universal. In these positions, he consistently drove revenue growth and forged strategic partnerships, leveraging his deep understanding of fleet management and telematics.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[02.28] An introduction to Neil, his background, and role at Birdseye Security Solutions.

[03.12] How a shifting approach to security led Mike Grabovica to establish Birdseye.

“There was this shift in security in general, from being reactive to having proactive solutions. And our founder identified early on that trucking and logistics companies have really specific needs when it comes to security.”

[03.57] The ongoing issue of yard security and cargo theft.

[04.47] An overview of Birdseye – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[05.11] The ideal client for Birdseye Security Solutions.

[05.50] The biggest factors influencing the rapid rise in cargo theft.

“There’s some economic uncertainty out there and, with that, comes all sorts of challenges… And criminals are getting smarter and bolder.”

[06.55] An overview of Birdseye’s security solutions and the benefits of implementing them.

“We can protect a yard, starting at the gate. Just like if you were going to protect your home, the most important part is your front door.”

[08.11] The two primary ‘traditional’ ways of tackling security, and their fundamental weaknesses.

[09.21] How Birdseye can help organizations analyze their infrastructures and determine the security solutions that are right for them.

[10.27] The importance of efficient gate management, and how it works with Birdseye.

“It’s important that you process trucks as quickly as possible, for efficiency but also for safety… We create a tunnel of cameras… so we can gather all that information quickly.”

[12.26] Birdseye’s hybrid people-plus-technology approach to security, and how they’re leveraging AI to tackle a range of issues, from preventing fire to reducing liability.

“In the old days, you would have a couple of agents looking at a handful of monitors. With AI, an agent doesn’t have to see every action… The AI alerts the live agent that something’s going on, and then the agent jumps into action… The whole point is to be proactive.”

[15.10] What implementation and onboarding looks like with Birdseye.

[16.04] How Birdseye’s solutions and approach helps organizations with driver safety and satisfaction, ultimately helping them to retain drivers.

“Drivers want to keep moving… A line-up at a facility typically counts against a drivers hours of service. So if we can move them more quickly and efficiently – which can be up to 50%, versus a live guard – drivers love it!”

[17.31] A case study detailing how Birdseye helped a transportation company avoid theft and operate more efficiently.

[19.43] From cargo theft to AI, the big conversations coming out of 2025 conference season.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

Head over to Birdseye Security Solutions’ website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Birdseye and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Neil on LinkedIn.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Today I’m joined by Manhattan Associates, a company that connects over 2 billion people to over 20 billion consumer choices.

Manhattan provide more than just supply chain solutions. Through advanced cloud-native technology, and a cutting-edge vision for supply chain unification, Manhattan’s team of experienced industry experts are dedicated to equipping their partners with the tools needed to navigate the supply chain commerce world effectively.

Today, Kristin Kay, Senior Design Lead at Manhattan Associates, will be talking all about Manhattan’s Active Transportation Management solution. We’ll be discussing why transportation is more complex than ever before, and your biggest TMS challenges. I’ll be asking Kristin about embracing customer-driven enhancements, and leveraging the power of automated testing. And we’ll be exploring why continuous innovation is key to creating systems fit for the future.

Guest bio:

Kristin Kay is a Design Lead at Manhattan Associates, specializing in the Transportation Lifecycle Management suite. In her time, Kristin has implemented multiple TMS projects for an array of Manhattan clients across many industries including grocery and retail. She has a degree in Mathematical Sciences with a focus in Operations Research and Management from Clemson University.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[04.20] An introduction to Kristin, and Manhattan Associates.

“We don’t view supply chain as a cost center – it can be a competitive advantage, if you start to remove some of the siloes between your solutions.”

[06.18] The biggest impacts on the transportation industry right now, and why the industry is more complex than ever before.

“It’s a whirlwind! We have a lot of different things coming into play. Macro economic shifts, sky high customer expectations, pressure to hit sustainability targets… Depending on the industry, the days of just managing your transportation are gone.”

[09.17] Why Transportation Management Systems often come with their own set of problems, and the biggest TMS challenges Manhattan see with their customers.

“Whatever challenge comes up, sometimes that challenge isn’t the biggest problem. The problem is how inflexible either your systems or operations are. If they’re inflexible, you don’t have options.”

“The burden of maintaining integrations between all of these systems takes a lot of time. We find that teams are spending more time managing their systems and TMS than managing their freight. And that can be a red flag wherever you have volatility.”

“As things change, your pendulum swings between ‘I really need to save money’ to ‘I really need to give service to customers’… But there is an answer between speed and cost, and we need to be able to react to that.”

[12.58] What connectivity and integration speed and ease looks like with Manhattan’s Active TMS, and the impact on key focus areas like visibility, collaboration and flexibility.

“Transportation is a team sport… And that connectivity is the heartbeat of agility.”

“If you’re going to do any software implementation, decide: ‘What are my key KPIs, how do I know what’s right, how do I build that confidence?’ So that when I turn that switch on, I’m getting those benefits – not just creating more questions.”

[16.57] Manual versus automated testing, how automated testing works with Manhattan, and the business benefits of continuous validation and accelerated deployments.

[19.37] How automated testing can help to reduce risk and allow businesses to make informed, data-driven decisions in a climate filled with risk and unexpected disruption.

[23.34] The importance of communication and transparency, the power of partnership, and how customer-driven enhancements make Manhattan’s Active Transportation Management unique.

“True innovation can’t happen in isolation, it happens through partnership.”

“It really comes down to the end user experience. If that’s bad, it doesn’t matter how good your integration is, or how great your reporting is, or how fast you can change. If people don’t like using the product, you’re going to have trouble.”

[27.29] Why scalability means more than just scaling up or down, and how continuous innovation helps businesses with future-proofing, allowing them to stay ahead of the game without having to constantly overhaul systems.

[32.24] What Manhattan’s synchronization of operations and end-to-end unification mean for teams and businesses.

[35.59] A case study exploring how Manhattan helped a grocery client shift their mindset, unify, embrace dynamic planning and unlock big benefits.

[40.08] What we can expect from Manhattan in the second half of 2025.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

Head over to Manhattan Associate’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Manhattan and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Kristin on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed the episode and want to hear more from Manhattan, check out:

• 439: Breaking Down Silos: Discover The Power of Unified Supply Chain Planning, with Manhattan Associates
• 432: Discover the Future of Forecasting, with Manhattan Associates
• 430: Unify Your Supply Chain Systems, with Manhattan Associates

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

In today’s episode of Women in Supply Chain, I’m joined by award-winning co-founder and CEO and self-confessed lover of people and possibilities, Melodie Van Der Baan.

An industry trailblazer, Melodie’s journey began as a distributor and independent retailer. And, driven by her entrepreneurial spirit and everything she learned, she went on to co-found Max Retail, a platform that empowers brands to free up cash and clear out stale inventory.

Today Melodie will be talking all about her career journey; juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship; embracing a ‘we lift while we climb’ approach to growth; and understanding the intricate dance between supply and demand.

SHOW SPONSOR

The Women in Supply Chain Forum was created by Marina Mayer and Jason Desearle to foster real connections—bringing men and women together to network, learn, and build lasting bonds beyond traditional conferences. It’s about strengthening pipelines, creating a community of advocates, mentors, and trusted peers. Similarly, the Women in Supply Chain Award was born from a need to recognize female leaders navigating challenges and driving change. Since its inception five years ago, it has grown to nearly 400 submissions, celebrating the achievements of women shaping the future of supply chain. Find out more at Supply and Demand Chain Executive.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[04.04] The early years of Melodie’s career, why she fell in love with retail, and how her experiences laid the groundwork for her entrepreneurial journey.

“I loved every store, every city, every boutique owner I visited and sold to. But, without fail, they would point out what didn’t sell from the season before, and say ‘Mel, what are you going to do about it?’ And so I had to find a solution to their problem.”

“My husband said: ‘This isn’t a you problem, it’s an industry problem. It’s a lack of a network that needs to exist, and you should create it!’ But this was before Amazon, Shopify wasn’t a thing yet, Point of Sales were server-based, not cloud-based. So even though the problem was real, the industry wasn’t ready for the solution.”

[08.31] Why Melodie chose not to go to college, her Mother’s words of advice, and why she decided to open her own retail store.

“Every step of my journey has been so natural.”

[11.56] Melodie’s experience as a working Mom, setting an example for her daughter, and why experience is the best teacher.

[15.09] Melodie’s advice for parents struggling with work/life balance, and why consistency is key.

“We can’t give our best at work and leave the scraps for our family.”

[19.33] How Melodie developed a unique understanding of the intricate dance between supply and demand, the biggest challenges faced by retailers and distributors, and why understanding your inventory is crucial.

[24.57] Why Melodie moved from retail to technology, an overview of her business Max Retail, and how she brings retail experts and tech leaders together to solve the biggest industry challenges.

“It was never an intention to become a CEO of a technology company. The truth is that there was no way to solve the problem without technology.”

[29.37] Melodie’s experience as a woman navigating the worlds of retail, technology and supply chain, and her uniquely positive outlook.

“When you know the authenticity of someone, it can gender-neutralize.”

[32.22] Melodie’s commitment to taking a ‘we lift while we climb’ approach, the role others have played in her success, and how she pays it forward.

[36.00] Melodie’s biggest achievements, personally and professionally, and the passion that drives them.

[38.18] The future for Melodie, and for Max Retail.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

You can connect with Melodie Van Der Baan over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear the experiences of other hard-working Moms, check out 464: Women in Supply Chain, Beverly Steele, 359: Women in Supply Chain, Alexis Mizell-Pleasant or 425: Women In Supply Chain, Josephine Coombe.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Today I’m joined by a brand that is powering intelligent logistics with their industry-leading combination of technology, capacity, and partnership – Uber Freight.

Uber Freight delivers an end-to-end enterprise suite of logistics solutions to advance supply chains while maximizing savings, visibility and efficiency. With a proprietary AI-optimized network, dynamic capacity, and expert partnership, Uber Freight thrive in complexity, building new efficiencies at every stage of the journey to help businesses run as intelligently as possible.

Today, Megan Keith, Lead Product Manager, and Shawn Piper, Director of Product Design, both of Uber Freight, are going to be talking all about Uber Freight, its evolution and mission for the logistics space. We’ll be talking about the unique way Uber Freight is bridging tech and service; how it’s bringing product and design together to build powerful tools that are solving the most complex industry challenges; and why Uber Freight is investing heavily in AI and automation to lead the industry into the future.

Guest bios:

Megan Keith, Lead Product Manager. Megan Keith is a product management leader with deep expertise in logistics and supply chain innovation. Most recently, Megan is building the next-gen Transportation Management System, transforming how shippers and carriers operate. Prior to this, she led a team automating shipment execution to increase efficiency and adapt to evolving logistics demands. Previously, she held product roles at Meta and Intapp. Known for user-empathy, Megan delivers tech that simplifies complexity, empowers supply chain teams, and drives meaningful operational change.

Shawn Piper, Director of Product Design. Shawn Piper is a product design leader at the intersection of strategy, AI, and logistics innovation. Most recently, he led the redesign of Uber Freight’s Transportation Management System, driving business growth and automation. Prior to that, he led design for Uber Freight Shipping and the company’s internal platform for operations and automation. Previously, he held design leadership roles at HP and eBay. With deep expertise in enterprise UX and platform design, Shawn brings a systems-level approach to modernizing freight and transportation solutions.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[04.00] Introductions to Megan and Shawn, and their roles at Uber Freight.

“I was drawn to logistics because of its complexity and impact. It’s a space where smart, intuitive tools can really make a difference, and I love simplifying that complexity so transportation teams can move faster and make better decisions.”

[05.21] An overview of Uber Freight, the evolution that brought together deep industry expertise from Transplace with Uber’s tech DNA, and how that combination is driving the way they approach logistics today.

“That fusion means that we’re not just building smart tools or interesting technology, we’re building tools that work in the real world. Our approach is to really get that balance of being tech-forward but operationally-grounded, to make customers more agile, resilient and informed.”

“Uber Freight’s mission is really leading WITH logistics professionals, that’s the key word. We really go alongside our customers… The customer is the multiplier for the impact and results we can get.”

[07.35] The types of customers Uber Freight typically serve, and how those customers influence Uber Freight’s product strategy and service philosophy.

[08.49] How Uber Freight combine managed services with advanced technology, why that blend is so important in today’s complex logistics environment, and an example of how it helped solve a real operational pain point for a customer.

“Identifying opportunities and actualising or contextualising them are two different things… We’re able to take those opportunities and make sure those benefits are being realized, so technology and services are working together, in a loop of continuous improvement.”

[11.29] The importance of scalability and flexibility, so that customers of all sizes can leverage Uber Freight’s high-powered tools.

[13.44] How product and design work together to tackle complex challenges across the freight ecosystem, and the core principles Uber Freight rely on to guide platform development.

“When you have both in the room, you end up with more thoughtful, more elegant solutions.”

[15.44] How Uber Freight build tools that are powerful enough for complex operations, but intuitive enough for teams that may not have dedicated logistics tech staff.

[18.26] How customer feedback, from customers of all sizes, shapes the Uber Freight roadmap, and the importance of putting a focus on usability.

“Too much feedback is a great thing!”

[22.06] Why AI has always been part of the Uber Freight ethos, why they’re investing heavily in automation, and the ways they’re using these technologies to empower smarter, faster decisions.

[25.42] Uber Freight’s Insights AI, and how it helps smaller teams punch above their weight.

“It actually interprets the data, it doesn’t just visualize it. It’s able to identify patterns, flag risks and recommend actions, which shifts teams more to proactive management rather than reactive firefighting.”

[27.25] The future of freight technology, and how Uber Freight is leading the charge.

“It’s connecting these different islands of automation into more systemic automation; it’s a shift away from just efficiency, which has been the historical role of automation, to effectiveness.”

“It’s one thing for a system to identify a change but, in the real world, that change has to be implemented by people.”

[29.21] The key takeaway shippers and industry leaders should walk away with from today’s discussion.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

Head over to Uber Freight’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Uber Freight and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram, or you can connect with Megan or Shawn on LinkedIn.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Today I’m joined by ProcurementIQ, a company whose talented team of analysts, editors, sales, client services, management and support members work hard to serve the specific needs of procurement departments every single day.

Recognized as a trusted and independent source of procurement research, ProcurementIQ offers a comprehensive library of data and analysis on over 1,000 categories. With an extensive online portfolio valued for its depth and scope, ProcurementIQ equips procurement professionals with the insight necessary to make better, faster purchasing decisions.

Today, Anthony Samaniego, Customer Relationship Manager, and Lyle Dixon, Senior Vice President of Business Development, at ProcurementIQ join me to talk all about ProcurementIQ and share the true story of how a client managers ad-hoc creations in Excel became a foundational element of their upgraded product suite. Lyle will be sharing his journey as one of the co-founders of ProcurementIQ, and Anthony will be giving his perspective on why, after many years in the industry, he decided to go to school for supply chain. And we’ll be exploring the impact ongoing supply chain and economic disruptions are having on procurement teams, and where they should be focusing for the year ahead.

Guest bios:

Anthony Samaniego, Customer Relationship Manager. A ten-year veteran of ProcurementIQ, Anthony specializes as a procurement transformation partner and spearheads initiatives with clients to centralize procurement functions and drive strategic sourcing efforts. His experiences working alongside procurement practitioners worldwide led him to enroll in Michigan State University, where he graduated with a master’s degree in logistics, materials, and supply chain management in May 2025.

Lyle Dixon, Senior Vice President of Business Development. As one of the founders of ProcurementIQ, Lyle has spent more than fifteen years collaborating with procurement practitioners on mitigating financial and operational risk through category and market intelligence. Lyle focuses on empowering clients to make informed, evidence-based decisions that support procurement’s internal brand as a value-added service.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[06.08] Lyle’s background and the journey that led him to co-found ProcurementIQ.

[09.00] How ProcurementIQ has evolved over the last decade, and where they are now.

“We were learning – and so was procurement in its own right. The concept of category intelligence wasn’t really a thing in 2013… Back then there was market intelligence so what we really had to learn about was that evolution.”

[11.13] Anthony’s background, how it sparked a passion for supply chain and why, after years in the industry, he decided to go to school for supply chain.

“It’s never a bad time to invest in yourself and develop your skillset.”

[14.08] The biggest supply chain challenges and disruptions, and the impact they’re having on procurement practitioners and their ability to plan ahead and do their jobs effectively.

“It’s creating a ton of uncertainty – which is the bane of our existence in this industry! It’s making it much harder to plan and strategize for de-risking supply chains. And the on-off again approach to tariffs makes it even more difficult, because the calculus is constantly changing.”

[16.09] Creating effective feedback loops between vendors and clients, the importance of listening, and the true story of how ProcurementIQ leveraged client feedback and collaboration to create their upgraded product suite.

“We’ve been through a digital transformation to help our clients better navigate the complex environment they live in… Change is constant, whether it’s priorities, cost savings, consolidation, risk mitigation, supplier diversity – clients are ultimately leaning on us to help them better understand, from an external market standpoint, what all of this means.”

“It created a very open and honest feedback loop… And it all started with conversation and collaboration.”

[22.47] ProcurementIQ’s interactive website, how its market dashboard helps clients understand their buying power and leverage insights to improve it, and how benchmark pricing allows clients to engage with the marketplace in a way they haven’t been able to do before.

[25.58] ProcurementIQ’s data and category insights, and how enhanced depth into areas like occupation profiles, external demand determinates and price driver profiles helps clients.

“There’s additional depth and analysis on price driver profiles to help customers construct better ‘should-cost’ models and ask better questions.”

[29.17] The ideal client for ProcurementIQ.

[30.44] A case study detailing how ProcurementIQ helped a manufacturing client, that were looking to centralize their indirect spend and build category plans that supported stakeholder recommendations and transparency, to shorten their speed to information, boosting stakeholder engagement and supporting the team to increase efficiency.

[34.20] The big questions facing the industry in the second half of 2025, and what procurement teams should be focusing on.

“The big question, especially with the tariff environment, is: ‘Is this going to last for the full term of this administration?’ And what the heck is trade policy going to look like?! In the short-term, it’s about getting creative with manufacturing capacity… and re-working supply chain networks.”

“Procurement leaders are facing challenges retaining, developing and attracting strong talent… There’s going to be growth in the procurement profession, so leaders and individuals need to think about what they’re doing to set themselves up for success, not only for what we’re facing now but what we’re anticipating in the future.”

[38.47] How to take advantage of ProcurementIQ’s special deal for Let’s Talk Supply Chain listeners.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

Head over to ProcurementIQ’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with ProcurementIQ and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or Instagram, or you can connect with Anthony or Lyle on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about procurement, check out 462: Procurement Unlocked: Sourcing Best Practices in a Tariff-Driven World, with ProcureAbility, 243: Reinventing Freight Procurement with Emerge or 211: Transform Your Procurement Process, with Zip.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Today I’m joined by Premier Trailer Leasing – driven by integrity, they’ve been on the road since 2005.

Premier Trailer Leasing is a leading trailer leasing and rental company in the US, specializing in long-term leasing and short-term rental services for a wide range of semitrailers, including over-the-road vans, flatbeds, refrigerated equipment, and chassis. With one of the largest fleets in the industry and a growing nationwide network of locations, Premier are committed to providing exceptional service and value to their customers.

Today, Craig Barth, Chief Financial Officer at Premier Trailer Leasing, joins me to talk all about Premier Trailer Leasing and what they do; understanding whether your business needs to buy, rent or lease; the cargo tracking innovations moving the needle for transportation visibility; and leveraging fleet management to position for success.

Guest bio:

Craig Barth first joined Premier Trailer Leasing in 2017 as Vice President and General Manager, and assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer three years later. Throughout his career, Craig has taken on financial leadership roles at prestigious organizations including Ford Motor Company and Citigroup. Craig serves as an integral member of the Premier Trailer Leasing executive team as the company grows its operations and scale for continued success in the trailer leasing and rentals industry.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[05.31] An overview of Premier Trailer Leasing – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[06.07] What sets Premier apart, and the secret to their success as they celebrate 20 years in business.

“There are several companies that will rent or lease you a semitrailer. So why do people come to Premier? The reality is: it’s the people. It’s the partnerships we form, the services we provide – we take a very personal approach, and we look to help the customer solve a problem first.”

[07.57] From economic issues to continued overcapacity, the biggest challenges in the transportation industry right now.

“It’s one of the most challenging environments we’ve ever been in. The transportation industry, depending on your measurement, is between two to three years into a recession… And now we have mass uncertainty. Our customers don’t know what’s happening from one day to the next, they don’t know how much their goods are going to cost – or if they’re even coming!”

[10.31] Premier’s inventory of over 65,000 trailers and network of locations across the US, and how customers can work with them.

[12.51] The difference between trailer renting and leasing, the benefits to each, the factors businesses need to consider when they’re deciding whether to buy, rent or lease, and how Premier help businesses decide what’s right for them.

“Most companies should own a portion, lease a portion, and rent a portion of their fleet. And we help customers understand where those lines are.”

[17.08] The ideal client for Premier Trailer Leasing.

[19.18] Premier’s trailer and cargo tracking solution, and an overview of some of the most promising innovations they’re seeing in the space, from cargo sensors and volume metrics to weight and door sensors.

“There’s almost too much data available. It’s all about helping the customer understand what data they need and what they can actually use.”

[24.51] How Premier find the balance between supporting clients and managing their own business in uncertain times, and how Premier data gives clients a competitive advantage.

[27.55] A case study detailing how Premier helped a large packaged goods company, that had always owned 100% of their fleet, cut their maintenance costs in half through strategic trailer leasing.

“They’ve taken a far more proactive approach based on what we were able to demonstrate through the leasing side… Trailers for them were a small piece, so they weren’t really paying attention. We were able to save them millions of dollars.”

[32.18] What we can expect from the industry as we look towards the second half of 2025.

“We’re approaching the second half of the year cautiously optimistic. There are going to be a lot of opportunities out there, we hope there will be some resolution to a lot of the chaos and uncertainty that’s in the market. But we are going to see some price increases.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

Head over to Premier Trailer Leasing’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Premier and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook or YouTube, or you can connect with Craig on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about trucking, check out 460: Discover the Limitless Value of Dedicated Freight in Today’s Market, with Werner, Where are trucking rates headed in 2025? 7 execs weigh in – Supply Chain Dive, or 429: Women In Supply Chain, Kameel Gaines.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.